Trades & repair
Licensed trade (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
Get licensed and run your own trade business.
- Start-up cost
- $5k–$30k
- First revenue
- ~24 months
- Time needed
- 40+ hrs/week
- Where
- Local
Rough estimates. Costs and timelines vary a lot by location and niche.
Who thrives at this
- People who like working with your hands
- People who enjoy digging into data and puzzles
- People who are organized and follow through
- People who can grind for a long payoff
- People who like routines and clear processes
Involves face-to-face work with customers. Physically demanding.
Skills that help
Don't have them yet? Tap one to find beginner courses.
Your starter kit
The tools and steps most people need to get a licensed trade (electrical, plumbing, hvac) business off the ground.
1. Test the idea
2. Launch
- Register your business FreeChoose a structure (sole prop, LLC…) and register with your state. The SBA explains every option.
- Get an EIN from the IRS FreeYour business tax ID. Free and takes about 10 minutes online. Never pay a third party for this.
- Licenses & permits FreeFind out which local, state and federal licenses your business needs.
- Business insurance basics FreeWhat coverage small businesses typically need, and how to shop for it.
- Open a business bank account FreeKeep business money separate from day one. The SBA covers what to look for.
- Wave FreeFree accounting and invoicing for small businesses.
- Canva FreeMake a logo, flyers, social posts and business cards without hiring a designer.
- Google Business Profile FreeFree listing so local customers find you on Google Search and Maps. The single best free marketing for a local business.
- Square Take card payments in person with a phone, plus invoices and simple booking.
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